Winding through a desert
The Namkwa 4x4 Eco Trail extends from Pofadder in Bushmanland to the top of Brandkaros in the Richtersveld. Should you want to explore every corner of the trail, you could easily spend five days on it. But, if – like us – you only follow the main route, you can see the highlights in three days.
You need a proper four-wheel drive vehicle with off-road tyres to master this route. While it’s not necessary to have next level off-roading experience, you do need to take care as there are a few obstacles that will catch inattentive drivers off guard.
You could tow an off-road trailer, sure, but an off-road caravan won’t fare well here. There are also some obstacles that will stymie a large 4x4 motorhome.
This route is a great alternative to driving the straight N14 between Augrabies and the Richtersveld National Park, and every 4x4 enthusiast should do it at least once in their life. And remember, if you last did this route more than 10 years ago, it looks different today – and it is likely to change again in the future.
THE FIRST DAY of the route shouldn’t take too long. You have plenty of time to have a leisurely breakfast in the Augrabies National Park’s restaurant before you aim for Pofadder to stock up on supplies. Although our route description requires three days to complete, we suggest you buy extra food and enough water for six days, because there aren’t a lot of people around – nor help – and it could take days before you see another soul.
Ask the petrol attendant to make sure he fills your tank to the very brim since you’re going to need
